Raiders rout Spartans in regular season finale

Midway hosted cross-county rival Union Friday evening as many Raider players played their last home game and their season finale. The Raiders won the game in convincing fashion, 53-8.

Midway struck early on an Atlantis Warren run that was set up by a long pass from Taylor Calcutt to Andre Sankey. Junior Barajas made a field goal on the next Raider drive to put the Raiders up 10-0.

On the ensuing Spartan possession, as they were trying to punt, the punter kicked the ball into the back of one of his own players. Luke Clark then scooped the ball up from the turf and ran it in from 24 yards out for a touchdown.

On the next Raider possession, Calcutt found Troy Spell for a 51-yard touchdown strike.

Union scored in the second quarter on a long 70-yard touchdown burst by Dezmond Faison, cutting the Raider lead to 24-8 after a 2-point conversion by Dustin Alphin.

Midway led 32-8 at halftime following an 18-yard TD run by Calcutt.

The Raiders would pile on their lead in the second half as Cody Baker, Atlantis Warren, and Jeremy Robinson all found the end zone, adding to their scored.

Leading Union was Faison with 17 carries for 134 yards.

For Midway, it was Calcutt going 3-6 through the air for 103 yards, a touchdown rushing, and passing; Spell with 2 receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown, and Baker, along with Robinson on the ground as each had 12 carries for 100 yards.

Luke Clark had 9 tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown, Jordan and Justin Thompson each had interceptions, and Dustin Horner had 9 tackles for the Raiders.

For Union, Tim Smith recovered a fumble, as well as Andruw Brunson. Devonte Grover had an interception for the Spartans.

Midway coach Tommy Sloan said he is very proud of his team and their season. They finished 9-2 for the year, and improved throughout the year.

Sloan, pointing out Faison’s threat in the backfield for Union, said his team’s defensive effort Friday night was strong.

Union’s Coach Doug Burley was also pleased with his team’s effort, but praised Midway as well, saying simply “the better team won.”

Union finished the regular season 3-8, while Midway finished 9-2 and third in the Four County Conference.

The NCHSAA playoffs begin next week; both teams are expected to get a playoff bid.